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Holly Owens

Holly Owens Profile Photo

Founder and Host

Holly Owens is the Director of Growth Marketing at Yellowdig where she leads strategic marketing initiatives to drive brand awareness, engagement, and customer acquisition. With over 17 years of experience in education, instructional technology, and marketing, Holly specializes in creating inclusive and engaging learning experiences that leverage technology to solve complex challenges.

Before joining Yellowdig, Holly built an extensive career in eLearning and instructional design, transitioning from teaching to instructional technology in 2011. She held roles at Northern Virginia Community College, Coppin State University, and the University of Maryland, Baltimore Countybefore serving as a Senior Instructional Designer at RisePoint (formerly Academic Partnerships). She also worked as an Instructional Designer at Touro University, where she remains an Adjunct Instructor in the Graduate School of Technology, teaching instructional design courses since 2012.

Holly holds two master’s degrees from the University of Maryland, Global Campus—one in Instructional Technology and another in Distance Education—along with a certificate in Distance Education Leadership. Her passion for education extends beyond the classroom as the host of the EdUp L&D podcast, where she explores emerging trends in learning and development, featuring industry experts who share insights on the future of education and workforce training.

Recognized for her expertise in marketing, UX, and project management, Holly has worked closely with executive leaders, including CEOs, VPs, and Public Affairs teams, to refine brand messaging, drive engagement, and support data-driven marketing strategies. She has also collaborated with sales teams—including the Land and Expand and Enterprise teams—to attract and convert new customers across higher education and online learning platforms.

Currently residing in Wilmington, NC, Holly shares her life with her partner, Will, their daughter, Juniper, and their furbaby, Berkley. She is dedicated to empowering learners, fostering innovation, and making education more accessible and impactful worldwide.

187
Oct. 20, 2025

187: Ask Holly: Where Do I Start?

In this “Ask Holly” edition of the EdUp Learning and Development podcast, Holly Owens shares her personal journey and insights on navigating career transitions, particularly for those moving into learning and development roles. She emphasizes the importance of understanding one's direction, taking actionable steps, and building a portfolio. Holly also discusses the significance of community engagement and maintaining a positive mindset while overcoming challenges like imposter syndrome. The episode concludes with practical advice on how to approach job searching and professional growth.
Guest: Holly Owens
184
Sept. 24, 2025

184: How Do I Stand Out? — Be the Candidate They Remember in L&D

In this episode of Ask Holly, host Holly Owens dives deep into the essential strategies for standing out in the Learning and Development (L&D) field. She discusses the importance of crafting a compelling portfolio and resume, emphasizing storytelling and impact over mere tasks. Holly also shares insights on how to excel in interviews by showcasing authenticity and personal narratives. The episode concludes with a recap of key points and a bonus tip for leveraging video recommendations to enhance job applications.
Guest: Holly Owens
160
June 18, 2025

160: L&D Career Options Beyond Instructional Design

In this session, Holly Owens discusses the transition from teaching to various roles in Learning and Development (L&D). She emphasizes that instructional design is just one of many paths available in L&D, highlighting the growth of the industry and the importance of transferable skills from teaching. The conversation covers various roles such as Learning Experience Designer, E-Learning Developer, LMS Administrator, L&D Analyst, Learning Consultant, Training Coordinator, and Knowledge Manager. Ho...
Guest: Holly Owens
159
June 10, 2025

159: Teach, Design, Market: A Journey Fueled by Mentorship

Note: This episode was previously recorded LIVE on Linkedin. In this conversation, Holly Owens shares her extensive journey through education and instructional design, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, self-belief, and confidence in professional growth. She discusses her transition from teaching to various roles in instructional design, highlighting the impact of a mentor who instilled in her the belief that 'talent recognizes talent.' Holly encourages listeners to embrace their unique ...
Guest: Holly Owens
158
April 9, 2025

158: Empowering Yourself: The Importance of Knowing Your Worth

Summary In this episode of EdUp L&D, Holly Owens dives into the critical topic of salary transparency, discussing its importance in the job market and how it affects individuals in learning and development. She shares personal experiences and actionable tips on negotiating salaries, advocating for fair compensation, and fostering open conversations about money. The episode emphasizes the need for transparency in job postings and the impact it has on equity in the workplace, encouraging listeners...
Guest: Holly Owens
156
Jan. 13, 2025

156: 5 Things YOU Should Be Doing to Land a Role in Learning and Development

Overivew In this episode of EdUp Learning and Development, I share my personal journey and five key strategies for transitioning into a career in learning and development. I emphasize the importance of building a strong personal brand, leveraging transferable skills, networking with intention, telling your story with confidence, and crafting a targeted application strategy. I draw from my own experiences as a teacher and instructional designer to provide actionable insights for listeners lookin...
Guest: Holly Owens
156
Nov. 19, 2024

Episode 2: The Digging in Series - The Human Element in AI Learning with Shaunak Roy, Founder and CEO of Yellowdig

In this episode, Holly Owens and Shaunak Roy discuss the transformative role of AI in education, exploring its evolution, implications for learning, and the importance of maintaining human connections. They delve into the ethical considerations surrounding AI, including data security and the need for a collaborative approach in higher education. The conversation emphasizes the potential of AI to enhance engagement and creativity while addressing the challenges it presents. This amazing episode ...
155
Nov. 6, 2024

Episode 1: The Digging in Series - The Journey of Entrepreneurship with Shaunak Roy, Founder and CEO of Yellowdig

If you're thinking about getting into the entrepreneurial space, this episode is for YOU! In this episode of EdUp Learning and Development I got to sit down with my new boss Shaunak Roy, founder and CEO of Yellowdig, to chat about the realities of entrepreneurship, the importance of community and mentorship, and how to navigate the challenges of building a business in the EdTech space. We discuss the significance of self-awareness, the impact of AI on education, and the necessity of maintainin...
Sept. 26, 2024

153: Instructional Design Interview Questions and How to Answer Them with Holly Owens, Seasoned ID Professional

In this engaging webinar, Holly Owens shares her extensive experience in instructional design and offers valuable insights into the interview process for aspiring instructional designers. The discussion covers key strategies for preparing for interviews, the importance of showcasing a compelling portfolio, and how to handle common interview questions effectively. Participants gain practical tips on maintaining composure under pressure and the significance of confidence in presenting oneself dur...
Guest: Holly Owens
150
Sept. 10, 2024

150: Learning & Development Demystified: L&D Across Sectors and Contexts

Some might ask... What is L&D? In this episode, hosts Holly Owens and Nadia Johnson discuss their experiences and expertise in the field of learning and development (L&D). They share their personal journeys from teaching to instructional design and highlight the transferable skills that teachers possess. The hosts emphasize the importance of creativity and dynamic approaches in education and discuss the evolution of instructional design. They define learning and development as a broad field tha...
Guest: Holly Owens
149
Sept. 3, 2024

149: Insights into the Field of Instructional Design with Holly Owens, Adjunct Instructor, Touro University

The tables have turned and our host, Holly Owens is being interviewed about her experience as an Instructional Designer and her love for teaching by guest host, Shriti Panda, Digital Marketing Specialist at Touro. In this episode, Holly discusses her journey from being a high school teacher to working in higher education and corporate instructional design. She teaches courses on designing online instruction and emphasizes the importance of applying theories and knowledge in real-world projects....
Guest: Holly Owens
148
Aug. 15, 2024

148: It's Not Just One Thing - Tips for Navigating the L&D Job Market with Our Very Own Holly Owens

Summary In this episode, Holly Owens covers navigating the learning and development job market, emphasizing networking, authentic connections, and the skills needed for success as an instructional designer. She advises job seekers to be selective and find their niche. Holly also compares instructional design in corporate vs. educational settings, noting differences in innovation pace and audience. She offers guidance on the value of a master's degree or certificate, suggests relevant programs,...
Guest: Holly Owens
137
April 17, 2024

137: Starting Your Career Transition: Taking the First Step to a Career in L&D - Part 1 of 3

In this episode, Holly discusses the topic of transitioning into a career in learning and development (L&D), specifically in instructional design. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being intentional and strategic in the career transition process. She suggests five key steps to take before applying for roles in the L&D industry: 1) identify what you want in a role, 2) determine which sector of L&D you want to work in (e.g., education, corporate, government, freelance, etc.), 3) conduct re...
Guest: Holly Owens
133
March 4, 2024

133: Crafting Your Professional Presence: A Deep Dive into LinkedIn Optimization, Part I

In this episode, Holly Owens and Nadia Johnson delve into the intricacies of LinkedIn optimization, emphasizing the critical nature of establishing a polished professional profile. Key recommendations include utilizing a professional photo and cover image, crafting a compelling headline, and specifying your location. The hosts also advocate for featuring a portfolio or website link in the designated section. They caution against sharing proprietary content, suggesting a shift towards more generi...
Guest: Holly Owens
132
March 2, 2024

132: Navigating Instructional Design Careers: Decoding Job Descriptions and Landing Your Dream Role

In this discussion, Holly provides advice on how to navigate job descriptions when applying for roles in instructional design or the learning and development (L&D) field. She emphasizes the importance of identifying the sector you want to work in, such as corporate, education, government, ed tech, or nonprofit. Holly also suggest that applicants should not be deterred if they don't meet 100% of the qualifications, as many companies are open to candidates who meet 60-70% of the criteria and are w...
Guest: Holly Owens
127
Feb. 12, 2024

127: Job Search Jumpstart: Proven Strategies and Tips from Holly Owens and Nadia Johnson on Landing a role in EdTech and Instructional Design

Holly Owens and Nadia Johnson discussed their experiences transitioning into instructional design and ed tech roles. They emphasized the importance of knowing what you want to do, conducting thorough research, and networking. They also highlighted the value of freelancing to gain experience and build a resume. They recommended using Teal, a job search platform that helps track applications and provides resources for job seekers. They also suggested spending 20 minutes a day on job searching to a...
Guest: Holly Owens